The Wallabies have received a timely boost ahead of next year's showdown with the British & Irish Lions with the news that highly-rated scrum-half Will Genia has signed a new three-year deal with the Australian Rugby Union (ARU).

Widely regarded as the best scrum-half in the world, Genia had been linked with a lucrative move to Japan but the 24-year-old has now ended speculation regarding his playing future by committing his future to the Reds and Australia until at least the end of 2015.

"I'm certainly happy that everything is now locked away and I very happy with where it has all landed," said Genia, who is currently battling back from a knee ligament injury suffered during this year's Rugby Championship. "This is definitely where I want to be, playing for Queensland and Australia.

"My focus now is on getting the knee right, getting fit and getting back out on the field for the Reds and the Wallabies. Next year is a big year, there are big things happening in Queensland and of course it will be a huge year for the Wallabies. The Lions Tour is a once in a career opportunity and it is certainly one of the reasons behind wanting to stay in Australia."

With Genia's services now secured, the focus will return to his international and Super Rugby team-mate Quade Cooper whose playing future remains in doubt following reports that the fly-half rejected the ARU's latest contract offer. Cooper also re-signed with the Reds during the Super Rugby season but that deal, like Genia's, is dependent on a satisfactory Wallabies contract.

Genia remains hopeful that Cooper will commit his future to Australia with the playmaker set to appear at a press conference on Monday to clarify his position.